Economic Support for Ukraine Discussed at WEF Round Table

DAVOS — On January 21st, Cornelis Vrins, founder of Allseeds, participated in a round table discussion at the World Economic Forum regarding Switzerland’s economic support for Ukraine.

The meeting served as a forum between Swiss companies and a Ukrainian delegation to coordinate reconstruction efforts. Key participants from the Ukrainian government included Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture; Dariia Marchak, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture; and Alona Shkrum, First Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories.

Representing Swiss interests were—among many others—Jacques Gerber, Ambassador and Federal Council Delegate for Ukraine, and Martin Saladin, Assistant State Secretary at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

 

Objectives of the round table

The round table discussion focused on facilitating bilateral cooperation by ensuring Swiss companies understand Ukraine’s most pressing civilian needs and identifying frameworks for their involvement in reconstruction. Simultaneously, the session aimed to inform Ukrainian counterparts of the specific solutions Swiss firms can provide, while preparing local stakeholders to help these companies build relevant networks within the country.

The key role of agriculture in Ukraine’s economy

During the session, Mr. Vrins presented his view on the agricultural sector, a field in which Allseeds has been active since 1998. He provided economic data highlighting the sector’s central role in the national economy.

In 2025, agriculture accounted for approximately 34% of Ukraine’s total exports and employed 14% of the national workforce. Furthermore, 30% of the population relied on the industry for their livelihood. Sunflower oil remains the country’s single largest export product, generating an approximate value of $5 billion USD per year.

Mr. Vrins concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the rebuilding of Ukraine is inextricably linked to the recovery of its agricultural industry.